Lot 543: Joseph Alfred Terry, RBA (British, 1872-1939)

Joseph Alfred Terry, RBA (British, 1872-1939) Harvesters Returning Home at the End of the Day signed lower right "Joseph A Terry, 1906" oil on canvas 28 x 34cm Joseph Terry was a member of the famous York family of chocolatiers, who were Quakers and philanthropists. He began his studies in art at the York School of Art and in the early 1890s travelled to study at the Academies Julian and Colorossi in Paris where he won the Colorossi Silver Medal in 1895, the year after Peploe won it. On his return to England he settled at The Firs in Sleights, becoming a member of the Staithes Art Club in 1906. Joseph Terry worked equally well in both watercolours and oils and could turn his hand to any subject. His work demonstrates a great tactile pleasure in the application of paint and tends to be very strong and vibrant. In total contrast to this, he also painted some charming and romantic Italianate scenes in predominately pastel colours, similar to the watercolours painted at times by Frank Wasley which he usually entitled 'Idylls'. His studio sale was held in 1986 when Christies South Kensington sold 367 lots of his watercolours and oils. Most of his works which appear on the market are from this sale and bear a stamp giving their provenance.